Dear Editor,
Ah, the New Year—a time of hope, reflection, and, in Guyana, a predictable parade of political promises. This year, the opposition parties have outdone themselves with their heartfelt pleas to be entrusted with the National Oil Fund in 2025. Their message? “Trust us—we’ll do better!” If only governance were as simple as making New Year resolutions.
Let’s pause for a moment to appreciate the audacity. The opposition, whose collective track record often resembles a comedy of errors, now seeks the keys to our most valuable national asset. They promise transparency, accountability, and fairness—buzzwords as shiny as the oil wealth they’re eyeing. But where was this newfound virtue when they had opportunities to lead or contribute meaningfully in the past?
One can’t help but marvel at the timing. The oil fund, a symbol of Guyana’s future prosperity, suddenly becomes a beacon for “better management” just as elections loom on the horizon. It’s as if they’ve taken a page from a playbook titled How to Sound Serious Without a Plan.
But let’s be fair—they did make one thing clear: they’ll be different. Different how, exactly? They didn’t say. Perhaps they’ll hold more press conferences, craft more slogans, or stage more photo ops with farmers and fishermen. Or maybe they’ll simply manage to avoid the potholes they left behind the last time they were in charge.
Guyanese citizens should approach these promises with the skepticism they deserve. Entrusting the National Oil Fund to unproven and inconsistent leadership is like handing over your life savings to someone who just swore off gambling—yesterday.
To safeguard our nation’s wealth and ensure it benefits all Guyanese, it is time to introduce constitutional reforms. These reforms should mandate that any government requesting funds above a certain ceiling must seek approval through a national referendum. This would give citizens a direct say in how their resources are spent and prevent any administration—current or future—from treating the oil fund as a personal piggy bank.
Instead of vague assurances, voters should demand concrete plans: How will the oil wealth be used to improve schools, hospitals, and roads? How will it benefit every Guyanese and not just a well-connected few? And most importantly, what safeguards will be put in place to ensure long-term sustainability?
As we navigate the road to 2025, let us remember that leadership isn’t about who can spin the best New Year message. It’s about integrity, competence, and results. Until the opposition can provide more than recycled promises and empty words, their plea to manage the oil fund deserves nothing more than a polite chuckle.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
